Bringing the idea of gravel bikes to reality has contributed immensely to the popularity of the bike industry. This type of bike is designed for different sorts of off-road and on-road riding, and their versatility makes them ideal for variable terrain, long endurance rides, and bikepacking. In short, there are few limits to what you can achieve with gravel bikes.
We are in a world where different options of products are available in the market. This explains why you must equip yourself with the proper details to know the right product to purchase. Since several new gravel-specific wheels have flooded the market, this article will help unveil what you need to know to shop for a suitable product for your gravel bike.
What are the factors to consider when looking for the best gravel wheels?
Before delving into the subject, it's important that we talk about the factors to consider when shopping for the best gravel wheels.
The most prominent factors to consider when considering the type of wheel for gravel bike upgrade or build include wheel size, durability, frame compatibility, budget, and tire width.
Wheels Size
The two popular wheel sizes for road cycling wheels are 700c and 6560b. The former is the standard size known for a very long time, while the latter is gradually mounting the height of popularity when it comes to gravel riding.
To have better clearance between the rear triangle and fork, smaller wheel size is recommended. This is because it helps with much more accessibility and comfort on technical terrain.
Wheel Durability
What you intend to do with your wheel will determine how strong and durable you want it to be. It'll be unreasonable to select a weak wheel for rooty trails, rocky drop-offs, and mucky fire roads. For more technical terrain, you may need gravel wheelsets with a higher number of spokes (most of them come with spokes that range between 24 and 32).
Frame Compatibility
Your existing frame is expected to be compatible with the wheel you want to buy. Check some essential details (such as the millimeter of the thru-axles, the thru-axle hub spacing, and disc brake) to avoid mistakes. You may want to speak to a wheel builder to help identify the best build if you have any niche requirements.
Budget
It's advisable to have a clear budget before making your decision. You should know how much you're willing to spend. For lighter carbon fiber rims, you should prepare to pay a premium. The more lightweight the materials used in the production are, the more the money to pay will be.
Rim internal width
Experts in the bike industry advise that road rim, and tire sizes that range from 25mm to 50mm should be selected for a wheelset meant for both gravel and road. So, the internal rim width should be at least 20mm. But if your tire is 40mm and you intend to use it for gravel roads, an internal rim width that ranges between 21mm and 24mm will be ideal.
So we think 21mm- 25mm inner width carbon wheels are ideal for gravel bike.We researched several of the best brands of gravel wheels on the market and we found that the internal widths of these gravel wheels are all within this range.
What are the Best Carbon Wheels for Gravel Bikes?
In this section, we'll be expounding the four best gravel wheels. The details are provided so that you can select the perfect wheels when shopping.
1. Zipp 303 S
The Zipp 303 S are great wheelsets designed not only for road racing but also for bashing down rough unpaved roads.
They feature a hookless profile and internal rim width of 23mm, which make them ideal for wide tires at low pressures ( standard maximum pressure of 72.2psi)
Moreover, they are aero optimized characterized by incredible ride feel, responsiveness, weight, handling, and speed.
The wheels rim inner widthe is 23mm.
2. Reynolds ATR
The Reynolds ATR are carbon gravel wheels that feature external and internal widths of 32mm and 23mm, respectively.
They are durable and can save you from spending unnecessarily. They are described as lightweight gravel bike wheels that do not break the bank. The layout of these wheels is traced to MR5 MTB rims with a rim depth of 40mm that ensures a balance between stiffness and aerodynamics.
The manufacturer designed the wheels in 650b and 700c sizes and offered an impressive lifetime warranty.
3. ROVAL TERRA
Roval Terra is designed to work with bike tires that fall between 28 and 47mm. The wheels feature an internal rim width of 25mm and a hooked bead, which offer ultimate performance. On every product purchased, buyers are offered a lifetime warranty and two years of no-fault crash replacement policy.
4. Hunt 30 Carbon Gravel Disc
Hunt 30 Carbon Gravel Disc is designed with internal and external widths of 21mm and 27mm, respectively. The tire's width, ranging from 28mm to 50mm, contributes heavily to how well-supported it is. This wheel is characterized by vibration dampening, superior impact resistance, and less brittle. Besides, it is typically known for its fantastic value and performance.
5. ICAN 46mm carbon road wheels
ICAN 46mm carbon road wheels are designed with a rim width of 21mm. They adopt asymmetrical design, which greatly improves the aerodynamics of carbon wheels. ICAN’s gravel wheels have a variety of models for customers to choose from, including Alpha 46, Aero 46, etc.
Wrapping up
It's crucial that you select the appropriate width carbon wheels for your gravel bike if your plan is to use it for exercise, commuting, and riding on multiple terrains. And don't forget that Carbon rim material stands as the best choice for triathlons, adventure bikes, road, and gravel wheels. This article should serve as a guide for you when shopping for great wheels. With the best gravel wheels, you can experience a fantastic performance, durability, weight, and traction.
